Canon XC10 Review, Unboxing, User Manual
HIGHLIGHTS:
Canon XC10 - OVERVIEW
If you're a photojournalist or working in a news gathering agency you will look for a handy camcoredr that will also take tack sharp footage at all situations. The Canon XC-10 is exactly designed for them; it captures 4K ultra HD quality video and 12 MP still images with the highest clarity, even in low light.
The large-format CMOS image sensor and DIGIC DV 5 image processor really offer excellent low-light performance. On the other hand, the lightweight, ergonomic design and image stabilization mechanism make it more convenient for handheld shooting. The 2-channel 16-bit / 48 kHz linear PCM audio recording unit also never disappoints you for sure.
CANON XC10 REVIEW
Design & Features
You will be excited to know that you can take a drone shot with this Canon camcorder model; the small body of XC 10 can be mounted on a hexarotor UAV or other medium-sized UAV platform. However, you don’t always need to mount this camcorder on a tripod or other stabilization devices.
The practical ergonomic design, lightweight body, and optical image stabilization mechanism make the XC-10 perfect for run-and-gun video shooting. It weighs only 930 grams; the small camera body comfortably fits in your palm, while the 90° tilting handgrip allows you to take shots from low or high tricky angles during handheld shooting.
You will find a rotary ring for exposure, a toggle button for photo or video mode selection, and a record button at the handgrip portion. Lastly, the camcorder body also features two dedicated control rings, one for zoom and another for focus adjustments, and a few function assignable buttons.
The three-inch 1.03-million dots resolution LCD monitor offers a bright and vivid-colored preview and post-view of what you're recording. The touch-friendly user interface enables easy fingertip control of camera settings, face or focus recognition.
The two reflecting mirror-based viewfinder also provides a user-friendly viewing experience. On the other hand, the adjustable nature of both display units gives you a super comfortable low-angle shooting.
The SLR style 10X f/2.8 to f/5.6 wide-angle optical zoom lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27.3 mm to 273 mm for video modes and 24.1 mm to 241 mm for photos. The lens integrates an efficient optical image stabilization mechanism that makes the camcorder perfect for all shooting situations.
The lens gives you up to a 10X optical magnification range, and the 2X digital teleconverter provides extra image magnification in MOVIE mode. The Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements compensate for chromatic aberrations, and the extended lens barrel facilitates precise lens movement during manual zooming.
The 12 MP resolution, 1-inch large 4K CMOS sensor provides a satisfying still and video shooting workflow. The Canon XC10 has arrived with advanced oversampling HD processing and the same high-quality imaging system. Many high-end 4K Cinema cameras like the Canon EOS C500 model use the same signal processing technology.
The effective pixel and per pixel area ratio of this large-format 4K CMOS sensor are many times larger than the previous HD CMOS PRO type Canon image sensors. It results in an impressive signal-noise ratio, shallower depth-of-field focusing effects, and better low-light performance.
The DIGIC DV 5 image processor has an exclusive circuited architecture and uses advanced core technology to retain high-quality 4K video acquisition and image-processing power at high-speed. It expands the operability and camera performance by supporting special features like precise AF, electronic image stabilization, 1200X fast motion, and 1/4X of real-time slow-motion video recording modes.
Though the H.264 codec requires complex compression algorithms; but, you need not worry as the proprietary circuits of the image processor include minimal compression artifacts. The processor provides minimal heat output, improves battery life, and reduces the chance of overheating.
Image and video quality
The Canon XC 10, shoots professional quality 4K UHD video and captures high-quality 12 Megapixel 4:3 still pictures. It uses H.264 and XF-AVC compression codec for 4K UHD video and HD video but packs them in the widely supported MXF wrapper to occupy low storage. The MXF wrapper and Log-GOP encoding compression genuinely maintain superb image quality and also fulfill storage demand.
The 8-bit 4:2:2 colored 4K ultra HD (3840 x 2160) video files in H.264 format and 12 MP JPEG still picture really meet the standard that one professional shooter could expect. Depending on the frame rate, the camcorder offers 205 to 305 MB / sec bit rates for 4K UHD / 30 fps video and 35 to 50 MB / sec bit rates for 1080P Full HD / 120 fps video.
The optical image stabilization mechanism integrated camera lens records crystal clear video footage in both tripod mode and handheld position, even at the highest magnification range. Moreover, the high-end configuration of the DIGIC DV 5 image processor and large format CMOS image sensor captures stills and videos with every detail, maintaining the highest clarity at every lighting condition.
Be it an outdoor place with bright daylight or dimly lit shooting sets or rooms, all-time the Canon XC10 camcorder gives stunning output, thanks to the wide ISO range and gain values. It electronically adjusts the gain values, iris, and shutter speed control according to the range of lighting conditions. If it includes excessive noise, you can define the gain values between 0 to 42 dB and ISO range between 100 to 20,000 points; while using these auto exposure modes.
The Canon XC10 produces finished-looking videos and images that do not require much color correction or color grading in post-production. The Wide DR Gamma mode comes in handy for those; who wouldn’t like to color grade their photos or videos in post-production. It enhances the sharpness of the picture by suppressing the brightness and maintaining the color contrast.
The instant HDR workflow produces natural-looking color with better gradation and never loses a single detail during highlighting. The Canon Log Gamma record mode is preserved with a high dynamic range of up to 12 stops; that emphasizes the mid-range to the rich color spectrum.
STORAGE
The XC10 camcorder supports the batteries of the EOS LP-E6N series and the LC-E6 battery charger. Generally, these batteries let you record 4K videos for a maximum of 90 min and HD videos for up to 3 hours. The DIGIC DV 5 image processor and advanced compression algorithms enhance the battery life by enabling low power consumption.
The camcorder offers separate C-Fast media slots for 4K UHD video and SDXC/SDHC card slots for other video or JPEG image files to increase the bit rate and extend the storage capacity. It saves the H.264 4:2:2/8-bit MXF 4K UHD files to the C-Fast 2.0 memory card slot; and the photos or the Full HD video files to the SD card slots.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Canon XC10 features two separate 3.5 mm jack ports for microphone and headphones, a 1.4 mini-HDMI port for 4K video monitoring, and a mini B-type USB port to connect other input or output devices. It has a hot shoe mounting platform that supports LED lights, microphones, or other camera equipment.
The Canon XC10 is compatible with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band wireless WI-FI networks. With "browser" and "browser remote preview" functions, you can view the recorded files using a wireless connection without removing the media cards. Also, you can operate the camera remotely using the RC-6 remote controller.
If you wish to get more improvised features, then also check the Canon XC15 camcorder review.
BEST FEATURES OF CANON XC10 PROFESSIONAL UHD CAMCORDER
SPECIFICATIONS OF CANON XC10
LENS SPECIFICATION
Focal Length | 8.9 to 89 mm |
Zoom | Optical Zoom - 10X |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 to f/11 |
Filter Size | 58 mm |
Control Rings | Focus, Zoom |
Focus Control | Auto-focus | Manual Focus |
IMAGE SENSOR
Sensor Size | 1" |
Sensor Type | CMOS sensor |
Effective Resolution | 12 Megapixel |
CAMERA SPECIFICATION
Image Stabilization | Optical (lens shift) + Electronic Stabilization Tailored Optical Stabilisation Mechanism with Three Modes: Dynamic, Standard, Powered |
Built-In ND Filter | Built-in gradation ND filter |
Shutter Speed | 1/25-1/2 000 (Auto) |
Gain | 0 to 42 dB |
Minimum Illumination | 0.3 Lux at 1/2 Shutter Speed |
ISO Sensitivity | 100 to 20,000 |
VIDEO RECORDING
Recording Formats | MXF and XF-AVC |
Video Resolution | MXF 4:2:2 8-Bit: 3840 x 2160P (205 - 305 Mb/s) at 23.98/24/29.97 FPS XF-AVC 4:2:2 8-Bit: 1080P Full HD or 720P HD at up to 120 FPS |
DISPLAY SCREEN
Screen Size | 3" |
Resolution | 1,030,000 Dot |
Display Type | Tilting and Rotatable LCD Screen |
Connectivity
Wired Connection | Mini HDMI 1.4, Mini-B USB, 3.5 mm Jack port for Microphone and Headphone |
Wireless Interfaces | 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
Mounting Feature
Accessory Mount | Hot Shoe |
Power
Battery Model | LP-E6N series |
Battery Capacity | 1865mAh |
CANON XC10 TEST FOOTAGE
CANON XC10 UNBOXING
CANON XC10 USER MANUAL
You will be receiving a detailed user manual while purchasing a Canon XC10. But, you can also view the user manual from the Company's official website. The user manual will have a complete guide on the different camera settings, firmware, and safety precautions you will need to follow while using this camcorder.
If you wish to check the official user manual of this Canon XC10 camcorder, click here.
CANON XC10 ACCESSORIES
Microphone
If you want to use the Canon XC10 for news gathering or interviewing someone, you should purchase a dedicated interview microphone that supports hot-shoe mounting.
Memory cards
You never know when your camcorder will run out of storage, so always carry some extra memory cards with you.
camera bags
As photojournalists, you will always need a protective camera case to carry your video camera and lenses. I would recommend this, Vangoddy camera travel bag. It's spacious and is also durable.
Conclusion
Well, that's about the Canon XC10 4k professional camcorder review. I recommend this compact hybrid 4K camcorder for those professionals; who look for an all-in-one solution for newsgathering, interviewing, or shooting live events. The amateur videographers may take time to get used to all of its professional features and functionalities; the price of this high-end camcorder may also exceed their budget, but it would be a good investment for the future.
